Blogging for Fun and Profit
Introduction
This is going to be a relatively short post, mostly just so that there is a fully fleshed out example form me to reference later. Discussing why I bother maintaining a blog, and why you should consider setting one up to. At the end I discuss the specific goals I have for this website.
Why a Blog
The biggest appeal of blogging to me, is as a tool for learning. Most obviously for writing as a skill itself. Which requires a lot of practice to improve at. But also for other subjects. There is famously a saying that, if you can't explain it you don't understand it. I strongly agree with this. Writing short essays on a subject is know to be one of the best ways to study a subject. Synthesis is key to understanding, and retention. I am entering a period of my life where a lot of my time and energy is going to be spent learting new things, and writing essays on them. Why not make those available to the public. Which leads me to my second point.
Contributing to public knowledge. This can be a somewhat continous issue in the modern era of LLMs, and funily enough. In the previous incarnation of this website. I had a few articles that we niche enough that their contents were actually served back to me. But I stand by my belief on this one. That ultimately contributing to the collective body of human knowledge, in any way. No matter how small. Is always a good thing. If that happens via LLM, well then so be it. I'm not happy about a corporation making money of my work, but to be honest. This was never a money making endevor for me, so I'm also just not that bothered by it.
Lastly, it builds a record of work. Weather for job applications, college course placement, or as a simple gallery of personal accomplishment. Having a record of the things you have done, and lessons you have learned is awesome. For me making it public, and open to comment is motivating. It opens the door for spontaneous colaboration, and learning for others who are doing similar work.
My Goals for this Website.
- Creative Writing Crucible: My writing skills are abysmal. I know this, and it something I guinely want to improve. What better way then knowing that the public can actually read what I have written.
- Project Logs, and Subject Synthesis: For the next year, my focus is going to be on starting college. This requires me to pick up a lot of new skills, and to be honest. Relearn my high school level Math and Science. Essays, and project logs are going to be a major part of my learning plan.
- Finding My Voice: I have struggled in the past to find ways of expressing myself. I studied art heavily for several years, had two pieces shown in galleries, and have even sold my work. I eventually moved away from art becuase I felt like I didn't "have anything to say". I have always enjoyed teaching, and I love helping others. My hope is that by framing expression as contributing to a greater body of knowledge will help me find my creative "voice".